Saturday, April 25, 2009

“OPERATION INASMUCH” TAKES PLACE THIS SATURDAY  It all happens this Saturday – Operation Inasmuch, that is.  If you have signed up to help, please check the Projects Assignment List posted at the Information Center in order to find out where you will work.  Workers are asked to show up at the job site or church (depending on instructions provided by your project leader) at 8:00 AM on Saturday.  We will work until 12:00 PM, then eat lunch at the church at 12:30 PM.  If you have questions, contact OIAM coordinators Craig and Denise Wilber or your project leader.  On Saturday, by a miracle of God’s presence, may we take the love of God out into the “highways and hedges” of Havelock.

 Sunday, April 26, - Saturday, May 02, 2009

GUESTS WELCOMED  At First Baptist Church, we love to make new friends and would love to be your local church.  Guests, the pastor invites you to fill out a Welcome Card and to place it in an offering plate.  The pastor also invites you to meet with him for five minutes following the service.  This get-acquainted session will take place in the church study, which is entered through the door by the organ.  Those who linger will learn what kind of church we believe God has called us to be, and they will learn what ministries we offer.  As Jesus blessed the children, we welcome the opportunity to be the hands and heart of Christ to you.

CHURCH POLLED CONCERNING FOCUSING ON PARENTING SIMULCAST  The Church Communications Network (CCN) plans to broadcast a Focusing on Parenting simulcast on Saturday, November 7, 2009.  This simulcast – produced by Focus on the Family – is designed to help parents raise well-adjusted, well-behaved, godly children.  Before signing on as a host site, the Church Council needs to know how much interest there is in the church and in the community for this kind of simulcast.  The level of interest is important to us because we must put down $2,000 in order to be a host site.  The church recoups its money by selling tickets at $50.00 each.  Parents, if we were to offer this simulcast, would you attend?  If so, please fill out the Pre-registration Poll Card found in your bulletin today and turn it in with the offering.  CCN offers quality programs, and if there is sufficient interest we want to host Focus on Parenting.  On the other hand, we can’t afford to host a simulcast that no one attends and therefore causes us to lose money.  Thanks for helping us gauge interest by turning in a Pre-registration Poll card.

FBC HOME GROUPS TO MEET TONIGHT  Four First Baptist Church Home Groups will meet tonight, April 26^th, and you are invited to attend one.  If you do, you will learn more about God’s Word and you will make and/or deepen friendships with your Christian brothers and sisters.  Site options are as follows: the home of Jack and Cindy Fone (356 Farina Drive) (a group that normally meet at David Carter’s home); the home of Jim and Linda Schmitt (437 Foxhunt Ln.); the home of Kevin and Karen Young (youth, with transportation provided from and back to the church); and First Baptist Church (a group led by the pastor).  The Fone, Schmitt, and Young groups begin at 6:00 PM and end at 8:00 PM.  The group that meets at the church begins at 7:00 PM and ends at 8:00 PM.

MINISTRY OF THE WEEK: Wycliffe

WYCLIFFE BIBLE TRANSLATION BANQUET OFFERED  At 7:00 PM on Monday, May 11^th, we are invited to attend a banquet being held at the Sheraton Hotel on Atlantic Beach and sponsored by Wycliffe Bible Translators.  Tickets – provided on a complimentary basis – are required and may be obtained by calling or seeing Lucy Daniels (444-1219).  By translating the Bible into every known language, Wycliffe does a great work!  Why not plan to come out on May 11^th to be informed, to be inspired, and to celebrate what God is doing through Wycliffe.

ANNIE ARMSTRONG EASTER OFFERING COLLECTED THROUGH APRIL  Through April 19^th,  $1,831 had been given to First Baptist Church for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.  $485 of this amount was raised by our GA’s through their chocolate-covered Easter egg fundraiser.  The convention-wide goal this year is $65 million.  Our local church goal is $2,000.  Envelopes were included in the April Skylight.  You may also pick up an AA envelope from the back of each pew.  We’re getting close.  Let’s reach our goal!

$2,000 WOULD PAY FOR THE NEW SIGN  About $6,000 has been received with which to pay for the $7,950 cost of our new Highway 70 frontage property sign.  With about $2,000 more, therefore, we can pay off the difference.  Thank you for any contributions you can make toward helping us be “free and clear!”

KOREANS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR SIGN  We are happy to report that the Korean Baptist Mission plans to help us raise funds for the Highway 70 frontage property sign.  During May the Korean Mission will offer a fish or egg roll meal in exchange for a donation to help pay for the sign.  To make reservations, please sign up at the Information Center or call the church office (447-8478).  The Koreans need to know how many to cook for.  We appreciate their help! 

DATES TO REMEMBER  From 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Thursday, May 7^th, we will serve as the Havelock host for the National Day of Prayer.  7:00 PM on Monday, May 11^th, a Wycliffe Banquet will be held at the Sheraton Inn on Atlantic Beach. 

DEBRA RECRUITING CHURCH GROUNDS GRASS CUTTERS  If we mow the church grounds ourselves this summer, we can save about $2,500.  The Church Council believes that the savings makes the effort worthwhile.  If you are willing to take a turn (or more than one turn), please see Debra Carter or sign up at the Information Center.  Pick any open date.  The church provides the gas and equipment.  Here’s an option: Pay a Ridgecrest-bound youth $100 to cut the grass in your place! 

INTEREST IN GOSPEL EXPLORATION CLASS GAUGED  The pastor will be happy to offer a Gospel Exploration class in May if there is sufficient interest.  The pastor would conduct these classes in the church study from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM over four Sundays in May.  If you would attend such a series, please indicate your interest on the back of a Welcome Card or speak directly with the pastor.  Subjects of interest to class members will be discussed – to include “Walking with the Lord,” “The Disciples Development Plan Practiced by First Baptist Church,” “Living Your Strengths,” and “Taking the Next Step.”

PASTOR TO ATTEND FAMILY REUNION IN MAY  From May 20^th through May 27^th (Memorial Day weekend), the pastor, Sara, and Dane will attend a family reunion in New Harmony, Indiana.  The pastor expects to be back in the pulpit on May 31^st.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR FOR THE SUMMER NEEDED  Our Family Night Meals ministry, RA’s, and GA’s will break for the summer starting the first Wednesday in June.  For June through August, therefore, we need people who will constructively occupy our 1^st through 6^th graders from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM each Wednesday.  While adults meet for prayer and Bible study and while youth meet with Matthew Hoshor, we need people to care for our children.  If interested or willing, contact the pastor.

INTEREST IN CHILDREN’S CHOIR GAUGED  Carmen Nelson is willing to resume Children’s Choir rehearsals (and Sunday morning musical presentations by our children) if parents and children are interested.  Rehearsals would be held from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM on Sundays.  Parents, if you would bring your children out for rehearsals, please let Carmen know by expressing your interest on the back of a Welcome Card.

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN MOPS AND MOPS LEADERSHIP EXTENDED  Sheri-Lynne Estes, 2008-2009 coordinator of the Mothers of Pre-schoolers (MOPS) chapter that we sponsor, is looking ahead to next year, even as she wraps up the schedule for this year.  On Wednesday, May 20^th, MOPS will hold the last meeting of this program year.  Meetings will resume in September.  If you are the mother of a pre-schooler, Sheri-Lynne invites you to attend one or more of the every 1^st & 3^rd Wednesday, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM meetings that remain before taking a summer break.  Moreover, if any mother of a pre-schooler is interested in serving in leadership, please speak with Sheri-Lynne, either at a meeting or by calling her at 637-4715.  MOPS does an outstanding job of providing mothers with inspiration, social interaction with other mothers, and the occasional break that we all need.

MARRIAGE RESOURCES AVAILABLE  Focus on the Family makes available an array of resources designed to save at-risk marriages and to strengthen all marriages.  These resources may be reviewed by visiting the Focus on the Family web site.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETS, REPORTS  The Church Council met on April 20^th and took the following action: (1) Authorized Matthew Hoshor to make arrangements for a Little Caesar’s Pizza Night fundraiser, with all proceeds going to help our young people going to Ridgecrest this summer; (2) Scheduled a Wendy’s Night Out on May 18, with all proceeds going to GA mission projects; (3) Requested that Linda Jones develop a plan for landscaping the Highway 70 frontage property (with an eye toward enhancing the surroundings in which our Highway 70 sign will be erected); (4) Scheduled a fish/egg roll fundraising meal to be served by the Korean Baptist Mission on Saturday, May 9^th, with all proceeds going to pay for the Highway 70 frontage property sign.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH ASSISTANTS NEEDED  Lucy Daniels, who does a great job leading Children’s Church, recently lost her assistant (Margaret Ball) and is looking for a replacement.  Might the Lord be calling you to serve Him by working with children?  If so, contact Lucy for information about what the ministry entails.

DEBRA NEEDS NURSERY WORKERS  Nursery Coordinator Debra Carter needs more workers willing to take a turn on a nursery team.  Nursery teams provide care for our little ones during 11:00 AM worship once a month.  Those who serve in the nursery perform a valuable service and can follow what goes on in the worship services via television monitors.

JULIE WANTS TO START A SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN, NEEDS AN ASSISTANT  Julie Steinman feels called to organize a Sunday School class for special needs children, and is looking for someone to work with her.  The class – which is much needed – can begin as soon as someone steps forward to work with Julie.

YOUTH RAISE $1,600, MORE YARD SALE ITEMS NEEDED  On April 18^th our youth earned more than $1,600 at a yard sale hosted by Bob and Connie Ausherman.  To all who supported this effort: THANK YOU!  On May 30^th the Aushermans plan to hold one more yard sale, and – having emptied their garage of yard sale items on April 18^th – want to fill it with a new inventory.  If you have saleable items to donate, contact Bob or Connie.  Or, simply drop off items at the Ausherman home at 401 Shepherd Street, placing them in front of the garage door.

PRAYER REQUESTED FOR DEPLOYED  Jason Adcock, Tom Barefoot, Tim Colantoni, Willie Cheeseboro, Matthew Clark, Zach Cole, Mike Cook, Gerry Cummings, Matthew Duncan, Ken Eaton, Lisa Edwards, Nate Eggert, Christopher Elmer, Randall Engberg, Carey Green, Ben Griffin, Jason Haster, Stephen Heeg, Brian Hill, Darren Jester, Derone Joplin, John Kellem, Jonathan Mahaffery, Larry Messner, Charles McDaniel, James Nelson, Chris Pemberton, Zach Pitts, Sam Pryor, Nester Rivera, Josh Rose, Kenneth Round, Matt Rummerfield, Doug Sholl, Timothy Stuckey, Joel Tavera (wounded), and Derek West.  Caleb Griffin and Matt Young are back!

DEPLOYED LIST INFO REQUESTED  Debra Carter (who maintains the Prayer Board for the Deployed that stands in the sanctuary) needs information on Jason Adcock, Willie Cheesboro, and Kenneth Round.  Does anyone know whether these three individuals are still deployed?  Please contact Debra or the pastor with this information.  Thanks.

FAMILY NIGHT MEALS OFFERED EACH WEDNESDAY  Each Wednesday, First Baptist Church serves a hot meal from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM in Goodwin Hall.  This Wednesday, April 29^th, Andrea Becton will serve pork roast with gravy, sweet potato casserole, baked macaroni & cheese, vegetables, drink, and dessert.  If pre-paid, meals for five year olds and older cost $4.00.  These meals cost $5.00 if not pre-paid.  To make your reservation(s), place cash or checks (made out to “First Baptist Church”) in an offering envelope, write FNM on the envelope, and drop the envelope in an offering plate.  Reservations may be placed for more than one week (e.g., for a month or more).

MEMBER OPENS NEW BUSINESS IN HAVELOCK  We are happy to let you know that Song Jones has opened a new business in town: “Designs by Song.”  In her business Song designs beautiful, custom-made jewelry.  “Designs by Song” can be visited at 302 Highway 70 West (near Westbrook) or reached by phone at 444-0827.  Song is married to Anthony Jones.  Song and Anthony have two children, David and Michael.

FOOD PANTRY ITEM FOR MAY:  JELLY

MISSION MOMENT  Francisco and Maria Gomez serve in Little Rock, Arkansas, where Francisco is the Hispanic ministries consultant for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.  In this capacity he assists in the development of Hispanic churches statewide.  The support we provide through the Cooperative Program and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions enables Francisco and Maria to carry out their calling.